Microsoft Cuts Back On Windows Phone Insider Support

Microsoft appears to be further scaling back support for Windows Phone. The list of devices supported by the Windows Insider programme has been dramatically reduced, and no longer includes several fan favourites like the Lumia 1520.

The new – shorter – list of devices takes effect with the release of the Windows 10 Creators Update. Going forward, the build number for Windows 10 Mobile will defer from that of the PC version. This is due to the different amount of work that’s going into Windows 10 Mobile; particularly for enterprise customers.

From now on, the Windows Insider builds will only support:

HP Elite x3

Microsoft Lumia 550

Microsoft Lumia 640/640XL

Microsoft Lumia 650

Microsoft Lumia 950/950 XL

Alcatel IDOL 4S

Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL

SoftBank 503LV

VAIO Phone Biz

MouseComputer MADOSMA Q601

Trinity NuAns NEO

There are a number of Microsoft made devices that have failed to make the list; with no reasons provided as to why this is the case. That said, Microsoft is not saying that future Insider builds are being blocked from unsupported devices. Windows 10 Mobile users are still free to try and install future builds. They simply might not work properly.

Microsoft’s reduced support for Lumia devices may look like yet another nail in the coffin for Windows 10 Mobile. Then again, the move is also relatively similar to the decision to stop supporting older processors on new versions of the Windows for the PC.